Weekend Getaways: Omaha

The Ultimate Baseball Trip

By Kathleen Petty

TD Ameritrade Park; Photo Courtesy: Omaha CVB

It was a pop fly to right field that landed me on ESPN. Actually, it landed Stanford’s outfielder on ESPN, but having stood in line for first dibs in the College World Series’ general admission seats, I was in the front row of that outfield shot and (if you knew what to look for) easy to spot on TV that day.

That was more than 10 years ago now but the memory of watching that ball fly toward me still creates a knot of nervous excitement in my stomach. Not knowing whether an outfielder’s glove will reach high enough to make the catch and hearing the roar of the Omaha faithful is what the College World Series is all about. And whether your team is there or not (Texas, TCU, Rice, A&M and Baylor all have graced the Nebraska field in recent series, though their prospects this year were up in the air at press time), it’s 10 days of baseball that any sports fan should experience at least once.

Things have changed a bit in recent years, but some would argue the additions downtown have only made Omaha more of a destination. TD Ameritrade Park—which opened in 2011 and replaced the historic Rosenblatt Stadium that had hosted the College World Series since 1950—brought friendly parking options, comfy seats and a plethora of food vendors all on site that help create an atmosphere akin to an ESPN College Game Day during football season. To the delight of me and other CWS fans, the iconic “Road to Omaha” statue as well as Zesto, the world-famous ice cream stand that was a cornerstone of Rosenblatt, have moved along with the new stadium. A Zesto chocolate dip cone is a must on a humid Midwest afternoon.

For a baseball break, try the Henry Doorly Zoo. Rated No. 1 in a recent Trip Advisor survey, this is not your typical zoo. While it does have the expected lions, tigers and bears, it’s also home to the largest indoor desert in the world, an indoor rainforest (word to the wise, the bats are not enclosed) and an aquarium with a 70-foot shark tunnel that will bring you as close to the creatures as you can get without actually jumping in the water.

If you brought along an arts lover, don’t miss Hot Shops Art Center, home to more than 80 artists, or Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, which screens independent, foreign, classic and documentary films. Then, stop for dinner in the Old Market.

After your detour from sports, head back to the ballpark. Even if you only have tickets to a game or two, the atmosphere on every game day is well worth the trip. If your Texas team doesn’t make the cut, Kathryn Morrissey, executive director of the CWS, says you won’t be alone. “There are a lot of fans who’ve just heard about the College World Series and how exciting it is,” she says. “They aren’t following a specific team. It’s on their bucket list.”

If You Go

Fly: From San Antonio International Airport to Omaha Eppley Airfield (with a layover in Denver or Dallas)

Stay: Magnolia Hotel Omaha: Located within blocks of the Old Market, this boutique hotel will put you right in the center of the activity. The beer and wine reception and later bedtime cookie service aren’t to be missed. magnoliahotels.com

Hilton Omaha: Newly renovated and within walking distance of the ballpark. Stop by the hotel’s Liberty Tavern Restaurant before the game for a drink. hilton.com

Eat & Drink:
Blatt Beer & Table: A tribute to the former home of the CWS, this venue is the place for craft beer aficionados. Plus, servers can deliver Zesto shakes or dip-cones right to your table. blattbeer.com

Do: College World Series NCAA Fan Fest Opening Day Celebration, June 14. cwsomaha.com

Take a break from baseball and explore on a B-Cycle. If you have a membership in San Antonio, it’s good at all participating cities, including Omaha. bcycle.com